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Suffering From Eye Allergies In Lewis Center?

Eye Allergies

While eye allergies may not cause any serious problem in the long run, they can cause a lot of discomfort. A good percentage of people suffer from eye allergies caused by different factors. They normally make the eyes red, itchy, tearing or burning and leave you feeling far worse for the wear.

In most cases, eye allergies accompany other allergic reactions like sneezing, sniffing, and stuffy nose that signifies nasal allergies. This is not surprising as allergic reactions often follow the same pattern and are triggered by the same factors most of the time.

Overview of Eye Allergies

Eye allergies are also called ocular allergies or allergic conjunctivitis. They do not pose any serious threat to your eyesight, but as stated earlier, they can cause lots of discomfort. The problem can be a seasonal issue or a perennial problem. Seasonal allergies normally happen at a particular time of year when the triggers are present in the environment. In most parts of the world, seasonal eye allergies usually start around early spring and affect allergic individuals through summer and into autumn. Pollen from grasses and trees, as well as spores from molds, are the major triggers of the problem for people living in Lewis Center, Powell and Olentangy.

For perennial allergies, they can happen at any time of year. They are often triggered by such things as dust mites, feathers, and pet dander. There are some other air pollutants that can trigger eye allergies such as smoke, perfumes, cosmetics, and chlorine.

Understanding Eye Allergies, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Causes of Eye Allergies

Eye allergies are caused by an overreaction of the body to certain substances. We have already mentioned some of the substances that can trigger these reactions. These substances are referred to as allergens. Their contact with the eyes will often cause the immune system to overreact and create antibodies that will cause the eyes to release histamine.

Histamine is the substance that increases the permeability of the capillaries to white blood cells and some proteins and allows them to engage pathogens in any affected area of the body. The release of histamine and other substances will often cause irritation to the eye and result in a burning sensation, itching, redness of the eyes, and clear, watery discharge.

Symptoms Of Eye Allergies

There are different symptoms that are associated with different types of eye allergies. Aside from seasonal allergies increased by pollens, there are other types like vernal keratoconjunctivitis, contact allergic conjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis.

For the seasonal allergies caused by pollens in the air, some of the common symptoms include itching, redness, burning sensation, and clear, watery discharge. It is also common to spot dark circles under the eyes. Puffy eyelids are also common. Perennial allergies have similar symptoms but they may not be as severe as the one experienced as a result of seasonal allergies.

For other types of allergies like vernal or atopic keratoconjunctivitis, symptoms are usually more severe. Serious tearing, production of thick mucus, and photophobia are part of the symptoms. For symptoms caused by irritation of wearing contact lenses, mucus discharge may accompany itching and redness of the eyes. In most cases, vision will be blurred and the individual may be extremely uncomfortable wearing contact lenses.

Treatment of Eye Allergies

There are some over-the-counter and prescription medications that can provide relief for most allergic symptoms. These medications are not often the best option for your eyes. The relief they offer are mostly short-lived. Symptoms will normally return once the allergic individual is exposed to allergens. When they are used for so long, their effectiveness may be reduced.

Prevention of Eye Allergies

The treatment options discussed above may not be the best options for your eyes as they are often short-lived and have some undesirable side effects. The best way to treat eye allergies is to avoid their onset. It is also helpful to rinse the eyes with lukewarm water immediately after exposure to allergens. To prevent eye allergens, follow the tips below:

  • Stay indoors on the days when pollen counts are high
  • Wear eyeglasses when you go out during the season when allergens are abundant
  • Change old mattresses and wash bedding regularly
  • Clean floor with damp mop instead of sweeping to reduce allergens in the air
  • Keep home humidity below 50% to avoid mold growth: use dehumidifier if it is necessary
  • Keep pets that trigger symptoms outside
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes when you feel irritations

Eye allergies may not cause serious damage but the discomfort they cause can be severe. Medications can be helpful but the best way to treat the problem is to prevent it. Follow the tips provided here to manage eye allergies.

Eye Allergies Man

Decongestant eye drops are used by many to treat eye allergies. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the eyes to manage redness of the eyes and itching. They are not to be used for more than two days and should be avoided by individuals who have glaucoma.

Oral antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors in the conjunctiva and preventing them from being effective. They can relieve such symptoms as itching, redness, and swelling of the eyes. However, they have side effects such as headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and mild stinging/burning feeling after use.

Tear substitutes or artificial tears are also used to treat eyes allergies. They work by washing allergens from the eyes. They also moisten the eyes to take care of dryness.

There are prescription antihistamine eye drops that can reduce such symptoms as puffiness, redness, and itching caused by allergens. They are very efficient but may not last very long.

Mast cell stabilizers eye drops can prevent the release of histamine. They are more effective when they are used before exposure to allergens.

NSAID eye drops can provide relief for some of the common symptoms of eye allergies. Corticosteroid eye drops and non-sedating oral antihistamines are some other treatment options.

Allergy shorts, also referred to as immunotherapy, can also help. They work by improving the ability of individuals to tolerate the substances that cause eye allergies. Ask your optometrist near Olentangy and Powell if this option is right for you. 

The short answer is, it depends.

In many cases the the allergy medicines such as Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec and Claritin that you are taking will not effectively address your eye allergies, and may even cause additional issues such as dry eye and

If you are an eye allergy sufferer and also wear contact lenses, you undoubtedly experienced discomfort due to the combination. Contact lenses themselves do not cause eye allergies, the accumulation of dirt, debris, lipids, and minerals are the culprit.

Our optometrists in Lewis Center work with some of the most advanced new contact lenses specifically designed to prevent allergies in the eye. Daily disposable contact lenses, designed with highly breathable and fluid retaining materials, is an effective way to reduce eye allergies from contact lens use.

Contact Us At Lewis Center Today!

Our Lewis Center optometry practice boasts the latest technology, an incredible staff of knowledgeable and caring optometrists, and a brand new eye care center with a focus on patient experience. Located near Olentangy and Powell, we are available in a convenient location near you.

Why Choose Us For Your Eye Allergy Treatment?

Do you have eye allergies? Eye allergies often bring about serious pain and unbearable discomfort. Contact us today at Professional VisionCare. Our well-experienced eye doctor will be available to attend to your eye issue promptly.

Our eye doctors offer the latest technology and exceptional care for eye allergies to patients from Delaware, Powell, Olentangy and Lewis Center. Our optometrist will carry out a comprehensive eye exam and provide a prompt and effective solution to eye allergies. We will help to restore your vision and comfort. We serve all age patients in Lewis Center and the entire Ohio area. An amazing experience awaits you! 

Our Approach To Patient Care

At Professional VisionCare, our optometrists at Lewis Center, understand how essential your vision and comfortable eyes are to you. We provide excellent eye care services with the latest technology and a modern brand new office in Lewis Center, OH. We work with a team of knowledgeable and skilled optometrists who have many years of experience treating patients of all ages with eye allergies.

Our qualified eye doctors will attend to the eye allergy affecting your vision promptly and with the utmost concern for your wellbeing. We will carry out a detailed exam to diagnose the issue with your eyes. Once the cause of the eye allergy is determined, our eye care specialist will offer a fast and effective solution. We are the ideal Lewis Center eye care practice that can provide instant relief to your eye allergies and help restore your perfect vision.

Professional Vision Care In Lewis Center

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